In a highly anticipated speech from Downing Street’s rose garden, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to deliver a powerful message that will signal a definitive break from the past 14 years of Conservative rule. Speaking in front of an audience of 50 members of the public, including small business owners and public servants he met during the election campaign, Sir Keir will emphasise that his government is ready to take on the “hard work” needed to “root out 14 years of rot” left by the previous administration.
The Prime Minister’s address comes at a critical time, just one week before Parliament returns from a shortened summer recess. The speech is expected to set the tone for the upcoming parliamentary session, with Sir Keir promising that while “the business of politics will resume,” it will not be “business as usual.” His remarks are likely to echo the rhetoric used during the general election campaign, where Labour positioned itself as the party of change, ready to tackle the deep-seated issues facing the UK.
Addressing the Cracks in Society
One of the key themes of Sir Keir’s speech will be the recent summer riots, which he will describe as having exposed “cracks in our society” that have been festering under 14 years of Conservative rule. However, he will also highlight the positive response from communities in the aftermath of the riots, noting that the “coming together” of people to rebuild and support one another shows “what we stand for” as a nation.
“The riots didn’t just betray the sickness,” Sir Keir is expected to say, “they revealed the cure, found not in the cynical conflict of populism but in the coming together of a country the morning after to clear up their community.” This emphasis on community and collective action is likely to resonate with many who are weary of the divisive politics of recent years.
A Tough Road Ahead
While the Prime Minister will offer a vision of hope and renewal, he will also be frank about the challenges ahead. “Frankly – things will get worse before we get better,” Sir Keir will warn, acknowledging the significant economic and societal issues that his government must address. He will stress the need for honesty with the public about the tough choices that lie ahead and the difficulties that will come with making necessary changes.
Among the priorities outlined in his speech, Sir Keir will pledge to “fix the foundations” of the UK, focusing on protecting taxpayers’ money, improving living standards, and reversing what he describes as “a decade of decline.” Key policy areas will include reforming the planning system to build much-needed new homes, leveling up workers’ rights to ensure security and dignity in the workplace, strengthening border security, cracking down on crime, and transforming public transport. Additionally, the Prime Minister will emphasise the importance of giving children the opportunities they need to succeed in life.
Conservative Response: A Battle of Words
As expected, the speech has already drawn sharp criticism from the Conservative Party. Conservative Party chairman Richard Fuller dismissed the Prime Minister’s address as “nothing but a performative speech” designed to “distract the public from the promises Starmer made that he never had any intention of keeping.”
Fuller went on to accuse the Labour government of abandoning its commitment to public service and being “engulfed in sleaze,” while also laying the groundwork to “harm pensioners and tax working people.” These criticisms reflect the deep political divide that remains between the two major parties, even as Labour seeks to move forward with its ambitious agenda.
Looking Ahead: The Budget and Beyond
The Prime Minister’s speech is just the beginning of what promises to be a turbulent period in UK politics. Chancellor Rachel Reeves is widely expected to announce tax increases in her upcoming budget on 30 October, a move that has already sparked controversy. Labour’s decision to means-test the winter fuel allowance for pensioners has been met with criticism, with some accusing the government of targeting vulnerable citizens.
Despite these challenges, Sir Keir’s speech will likely serve as a rallying cry for those who believe in his vision for a fairer, more equitable society. As the Labour government moves forward, the country will be watching closely to see if they can deliver on their promises and truly bring about the change they have pledged.
